I totally agree with daguerreotype. this show is an amazing amalgam of improv, standup, sketch, & debate, & kudos to Black for coming up with an original comedic premise in a sea of repetitive knock-off shows. Giraldo is a great choice as the weekly challenger because he's a highly competent comedian but not so famous that it seems like an unfair fight, & the overall format allows less-known comedians to get some mainstream screentime.

I don't know if the reviewer had actually seen the show when this was written, but I think it's a mistake to try to steer comedy fans away from this show. if you're remotely interested in the genres listed above (or like Lewis Black, who gets a great opportunity to riff on the competitors each week), you should definitely check this out. it's a refreshingly unique concept, genuinely entertaining, & (at least in the episodes I've seen thus far), laugh-out-loud funny. plus, next week they're debating weed vs. beer -- how better suited to their niche audience could they possibly be?

I would be sad to see this program go the way of Acceptable TV or countless other thoughtful comedy ideas from the past two years. fans of the funny owe it to themselves to at least give it a shot.

Um, wrong. The show is hilarious. Yes, not every joke is a killer, but the format is as much about improvisational spectacle and competition as it is about polished stand-up. And I do realize that the show, as presented, is scripted to a certain degree; but anyone who's seen a Chicago-style improv "debate" or "99" (terrible jokes) can see the genetic connection... The humor is in watching them rattle off a huge volume of jokes and try to sell the terrible ones to a live audience, to greater or lesser success. I can't imagine they'd cry if you boo-ed their bad Oprah jokes, that's the point of the competitive set-up.

I'm not saying it's the Best Show of All Time (and it certainly has room to blow it, if the comedians don't bring the energy), but damn, Paul F. Thompkins is a Mr. Show alum, not just some BWE commentator. His intensely absurd brand of humor may be an acquired taste, but it's worth acquiring.

Wow, snarky dismissal has really jumped the shark lately... I expect more of Radar.